It Took a Village…

We all know it takes a village to raise a child. Lately, I’m seeing it takes our children to raise a village.

New to a popular suburb of Tampa, we continue to explore. It takes a lot of work to get settled and find ‘your’ grocery store, ‘your’ favorite take-out and ‘your’ go-to beach. Today, Florida presented us with the perfect weather in which to take a walk. So, we walked to our local Village community to grab a bite and explore the local offerings. Of course, Starbucks is a draw, but other local shops in the village are not to be ignored. One in particular made me immediately want to log on to Facebook and ‘Like.’

Our "Green" Village Market

The Village Market. I’ve been in before, but today noticed a farmer’s market scene of fruits and vegetables staged on the sidewalk in front of the market. I entered and asked where they got their vegetables. Because the availability of local produce determines what’s on our table, I wanted to know if this market was one of the many that supplied based on demand, rather than supply.

We Have Options – Locally

As I entered the market, I noticed the layout had changed from a previous visit. After learning the vegetables were mainly local, and there were competitively-priced organic offerings, my interest was piqued. To my delight, I recognized fish that we favor, but rarely see. Ahi tuna is not readily available at the local supermarket chain and Salmon on the other hand is always offered. However, I’m quite tired of seeing the word ‘enhanced’ as a food descriptor in my salmon. So, I asked the question expecting the same old answer. Instead I discovered, it was wild, not enhanced with color, and the SAME PRICE as the local grocery chain. I was becoming a fan.

I enjoyed our conversation regarding the quality of food in his market and enjoyed even more casting my vote for such products. If we don’t ask for it, how will it get to our tables? I know I’m not the only one with concerns of over-processing our foods. I live in suburbia. And, I live here for a reason. It is for my children and quality of life. Why should it stop with just good schools? I vote for healthy shopping options as well.

So, my point is this. It took my children, and our caring for their diet to affect change in our habits. And, I have a feeling it’s affecting change in the village as well. During my conversation with the proprietor and his team member, I was asked if I watch Planet Green on Discovery . I guess it was because I was asking the ‘green’ questions….and used the words antibiotic-free and organic. But, they acknowledged that I was one of many asking the same questions.

While we may have some work to do in offering products that are grown with nature in mind, I’m glad we’re taking the time to slow down and ask the questions. Let the supply take control. And, let the supply happen naturally. I cringe when I think of the chemicals entering our bodies and while I’m not 100% perfect in eating right, I’m glad to be part of a voice that is causing change. One village at a time.

Rod

Combining his love of food and communications, Rod is a marketing guru with extensive experience in the healthcare, restaurant and luxury services industry. Rod’s special talent is cooking. He makes magic in the kitchen by relying on fresh foods and unique flavors. He is married to Beth, and together they have two little girls. Rod and Beth have the perfect Live Pretty partnership: he cooks fabulous dishes and she creates the beautiful ambiance that combines to make their events special and unforgettable.